Here’s everything you need to know about virtual Credit Cards.
Online shopping, digital payments, cashless transactions have seen another product jump into the fray. Virtual Credit Cards is a buzzword among online payment options these days, particularly due to its relatively high-security features compared to the rest. Functionally more like prepaid Credit Cards, these virtual cards ensure higher safety quotient for online usage.
What Is a Virtual Credit Card?
A virtual credit card is primarily an add-on credit card that is tailor-made for primary cardholders for online use. The credit limit can be set by an individual cardholder. The card (VCC) has all the relevant details like that of a regular credit card including card number, expiry date and CVV number etc. However, a VCC doesn’t exist physically and thus a unique number is generated in every transaction. The card number is not shared reducing the chance of any fraudulent use.
Working Overview Of a Virtual Credit Card
A virtual credit card can be created by logging into the net banking facility of a bank that offers the service. Choose a virtual credit card option. A cardholder gets it for free as there is no manufacturing cost. You can choose the maximum limit on the virtual credit card as per your credit card limit. The minimum limit of a virtual credit card is usually fixed at Rs. 100. Once the amount is added to your account, the bank generates a virtual credit card with a 16 digit unique card number, expiry date and CVV number. A virtual credit card can be used just once and usually expires in 48 hours. Upon expiry, the money reflects back on the physical card.
Who Can Opt For a Virtual Credit Card?
If you have a credit or debit card, you can easily generate your virtual credit card in a matter of minutes. The details of the underlying cards are not revealed while using this card.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Using a Virtual Credit Card
Before you go ahead and generate a virtual credit card know that it can be used only once. The card self-destructs in 48 hours, so instead of creating a virtual credit card in advance and waiting for a purchase, opt for an instant generation just when you are about to make a purchase.
In case of any international purchase, check with the bank on the validity of your virtual credit card. Every time you generate a virtual credit card, a 16 digit card number is regenerated to avoid misuse.
Unlike debit/credit card, a virtual credit card cannot be used to withdraw cash from an ATM.
Conclusion: A virtual credit card is a cost-effective solution to ensure safe online transactions without having to worry about leakage of any financial details or card cloning.
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